Course 2017-2018 a.y.

30317 - POLITICAL SCIENCE AND COMPARATIVE POLITICS


BIG

Department of Social and Political Sciences

Course taught in English

Go to class group/s: 23
BIG (8 credits - I sem. - OB  |  SPS/04)
Course Director:
PIERO STANIG

Classes: 23 (I sem.)
Instructors:
Class 23: PIERO STANIG



Course Objectives

The course provides an in-depth overview of the scientific study of political phenomena, in democratic and authoritarian regimes.


Intended Learning Outcomes
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Course Content Summary

  • The state: contractarian vs predatory view of the state.
  • Political regimes: democracy and dictatorship.
  • Varieties of dictatorship.
  • Economic growth under dictatorship and democracy.
  • Economic development and democracy.
  • Cultural determinants of democracy.
  • Transitions to democracy.
  • Breakdown of democratic regimes and authoritarian reversals.
  • Two visions of democracy: majority control vs. proportionate influence.
  • Varieties of democracy: electoral systems.
  • Political parties.
  • Varieties of democracy: parliamentary vs presidential.
  • Prime ministers and policy in parliamentary systems.
  • Presidents and policy in presidential systems.
  • The fragility of presidential systems.
  • Federalism.
  • Corruption.
  • Clientelism.
  • Ethnicity and politics.

Teaching methods
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Assessment methods
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Detailed Description of Assessment Methods

For attending students
  • A partial (worth 50% of the grade) covering the first half of the program, and a final (worth 50% of the grade) covering the second half of the program.
For non-attending students
  • A cumulative final exam covering the entire program.

Textbooks

  • W.R. Clark, M. Golder, S.N. Goder, Principles of Comparative Politics, 2nd edition.
Exam textbooks & Online Articles (check availability at the Library)

Prerequisites

None
Last change 23/03/2017 10:40